The 2023 NRL season has simply began however the hearsay mill is in full swing already, with loads of curiosity in the place Titans star David Fifita’s future lies.
It seems there’s a two-way race for his signature however Fifita must take a hefty pay reduce ought to he decide to return to Purple Hill.
Watch each recreation of each spherical of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports activities. New to Kayo? Begin your free trial now >
In the meantime, Manly has reportedly give you a intelligent strategy to strive battle off rival curiosity in one of many workforce’s largest names.
FIFITA ‘WANTS’ BRONCOS RETURN… BUT IT COMES AT A COST
The race for David Fifita’s signature is reportedly right down to the Titans and Broncos, though the 23-year-old must take a “important” pay reduce if he strikes again to Purple Hill.
That’s in accordance with veteran rugby league reporter Brent Learn, who gave an replace on the newest developments in Fifita’s contract talks whereas showing on Triple M’s ‘Saturday Scrum’.
In fact, Fifita might want to take a pay reduce no matter the place he indicators as even the Gold Coast wouldn’t supply him the $1.25 million a season he reportedly signed onto in 2021.
However as Learn defined, it is going to be a fair higher pay reduce ought to Fifita determine to reunite with a few of his former Broncos teammates.
“The knowledge I’m getting is Dave needs to return,” Learn mentioned.
“The problem is Brisbane may have the cash, it’s whether or not they have the cash to mount a aggressive supply to get Dave again. They’ve acquired hold cash for Haas and Carrigan to increase their offers.
“I believe this week goes to be actually important on the David Fifita entrance, by way of what Brisbane placed on the desk, how severe they’re and the way severe Dave is. If Dave is severe about coming again to Brisbane, he’s going to need to take much less cash to do it.
“That’ll give Brisbane a sign of how severe Dave is. Wherever he goes it’s a big pay reduce [compared to what he is on now] however the pay reduce is extra important at Brisbane.
“I believe Brisbane wish to see a real indication from David that he needs to come back again and if that’s the case they’ll get severe about it.”
It was initially anticipated that Canberra and Gold Coast could be the 2 main contenders for Fifita’s providers.
However studies earlier this week recommended the Raiders are out of the operating and Learn backed these up on Triple M.
“All of us thought it was a straight shootout between Canberra and the Gold Coast as to what he would do,” Learn mentioned.
“Now within the background Brisbane have been saved updated on developments with Dave and his contractual scenario past this 12 months. They weren’t able to make a play for him on the cash he was at, speaking over $900,000 a 12 months was on the desk for Fifita.
“However after Flegler and Farnworth made the choices to depart, Brisbane have form of quietly within the background entered the dialogue for Dave Fifita.
“I believe Dave was near decide however the Brisbane scenario has form of delayed issues a little bit bit. I believe Canberra are resigned to not having Dave there as a result of they have been additionally fascinated by his accomplice Shaylee Bent and she or he has advised them she’s not coming to Canberra and Shaylee has delayed her choice till Dave has decided.
“The indication from that’s it’s now a shootout between Gold Coast and Brisbane.”
Titans coach Justin Holbrook conceded earlier this week that the Broncos are “undoubtedly eager” in Fifita, who’s off-contract on the finish of this season.
Holbrook mentioned he is aware of Broncos coach Kevin Walters has been “ringing” and “speaking” to Fifita, though he added he’s listening to “combined studies” on whether or not Brisbane can afford him.
“I genuinely imagine Dave is joyful on the Titans,” Holbrook mentioned.
“He’s joyful right here, however he’s such a pleasant man that he doesn’t like disappointing anybody and making an enormous choice on his future will be arduous for him.
“I actually get pleasure from teaching Dave and we’d love him to be right here long run, however he’s a proficient participant so I can perceive why he’s in demand.”
Walters confirmed Brisbane was fascinated by Fifita whereas talking to The Courier Mail earlier within the week.
MANLY’S CLEVER PLOY AS RIVALS CIRCLE OLAKAU’ATU
Elsewhere, Manly second rower Haumole Olakau’atu might not be off-contract till the tip of the 2025 season however that has not stopped the Sea Eagles from already planning forward.
Learn reported on Triple M that the Sea Eagles have paid Olakau’atu extra money this 12 months to reward him for his breakout 2022 marketing campaign.
It might price Manly within the short-term and was a transfer the membership “didn’t have” to make in accordance with Learn, however it may repay sooner or later with rival groups already circling.
“He’s acquired two years left on his deal at Manly however there’s already some golf equipment sniffing round him,” Learn mentioned.
“Manly are conscious of that and with the intention to hold him joyful and persuade him to increase past these two years, they’ve already upgraded him this 12 months and given him a bit extra money this 12 months to reward him for the best way he performed final 12 months and in addition to point out him how helpful he’s to that footy membership and hopefully persuade him down the observe to signal an prolonged deal.
“They didn’t have to do this Manly however they’ve.”
Initially revealed as ‘Important’ growth in Andrew Fifita contract talks
